By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The House of Representatives Committee on Youths in Parliament has pledged to spearhead nationwide advocacy for the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to create special reserved seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly.
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala (APC–Oyo), made this known on Tuesday while addressing journalists during a stakeholders’ interactive session in Abuja.
The session was organised by the Legislative Advocacy Committee on the Reserved Seat for Women Bill, set up by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen to mobilise lawmakers and stakeholders in support of the proposal.
The bill aims to create additional elective seats across the country to be contested exclusively by women, as part of efforts to increase female representation in governance.
Alao-Akala said his committee was fully committed to the bill and would embark on extensive campaigns and legislative lobbying to secure its passage.
“I am going to take it head-on,” he said. “We will ensure that every stone is turned to make Nigerians understand the clauses and benefits of the bill. It will not affect current legislative positions; rather, it will promote inclusiveness and development.”
He stressed that Nigeria must continue to demonstrate its support for gender inclusion both locally and internationally.
Executive Director of Ene Obi Centre for Development, Mrs. Ene Obi, lauded the committee’s decision to champion the bill, noting that women groups were inspired by the success of the Not-Too-Young-To-Run movement.
“We are excited that the committee has endorsed it,” she said. “This is a historic step, and we call on everyone to join hands so our children can benefit from a more inclusive parliament.”
Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Speaker on Women Affairs, Ms. Yeside Olasimbo, said the endorsement by the committee was “a beautiful moment for Nigerian women,” as it would ease advocacy efforts within the legislature.
Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, said Nigeria must take a bold step toward gender inclusion by passing the bill.
According to her, the proposed legislation which seeks to create 108 additional seats for women — is vital for national development, inclusiveness, and enhancing Nigeria’s democratic image globally.
“This bill speaks to national development, inclusion, and our international image,” she said. “Often, during parliamentary engagements abroad, we lose our voting rights on gender-related issues because we lack adequate female representation.”
She commended Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for his “progressive and inclusive leadership,” expressing optimism that the 10th Assembly would not miss the opportunity to make history for Nigerian women.